THAT YOUR LOVE MAY ABOUND . . . IN KNOWLEDGE, AND . . . JUDGMENT

Paul, having informed the Philippian believers that he is filled with joy and moved to thanksgiving when he thinks of them, now reveals the content of his prayer.

It is good to be able to call God for a witness on all that we say and do, and this he does here as on other occasions, Rom. 1. 9; 2 Cor. 1. 23; 1 Thess. 2. 5, 10. Fervent affection for these saints prompted his supplication for them. He longed after them greatly in the tender mercies and affections that find their source in Christ Jesus. So, he prays, ‘that your love may abound yet more and more’, v. 8.

This love is not mere sentiment or emotion directed by impulse but should be scripturally regulated. Love, we learn, requires to be instructed. Love is to abound more and more in knowledge. As we focus on the object of our love, whether it be God or our fellow man, our understanding needs to be enlightened. Something more than knowledge though is needed if love is to abound more and more, even though our knowledge is of the word of God. The other ingredient is said to be ‘judgment’. So, Paul is here praying that they will continue to display love, and that their love will be exercised by what they know to be true, and in intelligent discernment.

Such enlightenment will enable them to discern things that are more excellent, and to avoid that which is unworthy.

Paul would have them sincere, pure, and transparent in view of the day of Christ. This day of review follows the rapture, and is mentioned more than once in these early chapters. Salvation will be perfected in that day, v. 6; the saints should be without offence until that day, v. 10; he hoped to rejoice because of them in that day, 2. 16. In that day everything will be seen in its true light, when we appear before the righteous Judge at the judgement seat of Christ and are rewarded accordingly, 1 Cor. 4. 5.

With such a prospect before us, may we be ‘filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ’, v. 11. May we not be ashamed before Him at His coming, 1 John 2. 28.